Operations Manager - Oilseed Processing Company, Rwanda

Oilseed Processing Company (OPC) is a recently launched, full capitalized company in Rwanda engaged in the production of plant-based oil products for domestic and international markets.
OPC is seeking qualified candidates for the Operations Manager role.

Brief Description
The Oilseed Processing Company Operations Manager (OM) is a full-time position reporting to the General Manager. The Operations Manager will have primary responsibility over operational functions of the business including supply, processing, packaging, logistics, import and export, quality control and management of staff. The Operations Manager will not be expected to play an integral role in Sales & Marketing or Accounting.

Reporting Relationship
- The Operations Manager will report directly to General Manager of OPC.
- The Operations Manager will receive direction from the General Manager, but is expected to operate with a large degree of autonomy.
- A possible organizational chart is depicted at right.

Tasks
The below represents a non-comprehensive list of activities that the Operations Manager will fulfill.

Management and Oversight
- Direct and coordinate staff activities (i.e. supplier organization, supply collection, processing,
transport, etc.)
- Identify and exploit opportunities to improve business process by decreasing costs, increasing efficiency, etc.
- Negotiate and approve contracts and agreements with suppliers, government
agencies, and other relevant entities
- Confer with General Manager and other staff to discuss issues, coordinate activities, and resolve problems Supply
- Continuous pioneering of better agronomic practices
- Direct training and interaction with suppliers
- Training growers to engage in proper cultivation practices related to cultivating, propagating, pruning, harvesting, post-harvest handling and storing
- Promoting the reputation of the company among suppliers and communities
- Promoting economic benefits of select oilseed crops among suppliers and
communities
- Purchasing supply
- Direct purchasing and supervising of purchasing by Extension Agents
- Ensuring raw material is of sufficient quality
- Protect the company from any dishonest or fraudulent activity by suppliers or
Extension Agents
- Identifying areas for supplier improvement and training them to that end
- Maintaining complete documentation (receipts/records) related to procuring supply, payments, product quality
- Identifying areas for supply expansion
- Proposing programs and structures for increasing quality and quantity of raw material from suppliers
- Directing and managing nursery plots
- Directing, propagating and managing expansion of oilseed crops on company land
- Coordinating propagation on farmer and supplier land
- Managing Collection Centers and Extension Agents
- Identifying where to place collection centers and assisting in negotiation of rent
- Identifying, hiring and training Extension Agents
- Proposing performance-based pay structures for Extension Agents that are
challenging and achievable Processing
- Directly manage processing of raw material into final product
- Maintain high standards for quality in the production process
- Becoming resident expert regarding the production process and equipment – able to identify issues, repair break-downs, re-order parts, etc.
- Train and manage additional processing staff as necessary Packaging, Storage & Transportation
- Direct and coordinate purchase of packaging for raw material and finished product
- Locate suitable processing and storage location
- Maintain stock in a secure location and in quality condition
- Negotiate with packaging suppliers, landlords, truck drivers, leasing companies, etc.
Export
- Direct and coordinate all activities related to export of final product, including working with
freight forwarder, readying air and sea shipments, etc.
- Fulfill all regulatory requirements related to export of product (i.e. Phytosanitary certificate, etc.)

Working Conditions
The Operations Manager is expected to spend significant amounts of time both in the field and at the processing site, with limited time spent in office. The Operations Manager will have access to a company vehicle when required but will utilize public transportation frequently.

Qualifications & Requirements
- Must be advanced or fluent in both English and Kinyarwanda
- Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Engineering or Agri-processing field preferred
- Experience working in the Private Sector is required
- Background or experience in Agri-processing and/or Agronomy preferred
- Driver’s license and ability to drive a truck and motorcycle preferred
- Integrity: candidate must have a proven record of honesty and ethical behavior
- Initiative: candidate must be capable to take responsibility over company operations and management of other employees
- Autonomy: candidate must be proactive and will be expected to be constantly identifying ways to add value rather than waiting for orders and directions Compensation
Total compensation will be competitive based on market rates in Rwanda. It will include a portion of guaranteed base salary and a portion that is dependent on performance against set target objectives, as well as other allowances and benefits that will allow the employee to effectively complete the work required.

Career Advancement Opportunities
The Oilseed Processing Company is a new company with a vision to rapidly expand sales volumes and product offerings. As such, the Operations Manager will have the opportunity to grow with the business, with the associated beneficial impacts on position responsibility and compensation.

Contact
Interested parties please email their CV to oilseedprocessingcompany@gmail.com.
Please include contact information for yourself and three employment references with contact information.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Application Deadline: 1 September 2012